Re-Opening New York

Governor Cuomo announced yesterday his plan to reopen New York. The state will monitor four core factors to determine if the region can re-open. Here are some highlights:

 

·     New Infections: Based on guidelines from the CDC, regions must have at least 14 days of decline in total net hospitalizations and deaths on a 3-day rolling average.

·     Health Care Capacity: Every region must have the health care capacity to handle a potential surge in cases.

·     Diagnostic Testing Capacity: Each region must have the capacity to conduct 30 diagnostic tests for every 1,000 residents per month.

·     Contact Tracing Capacity: Regions must have a baseline of 30 contact tracers for every 100,000 residents.

 

For full details click here.

 

The governor also outlined which industries and businesses can re-open in each phase of the state’s re-opening plan. Businesses and industries will open in a phased approach. Phase 1 includes construction, manufacturing and select retail (with curbside pickup). Phase 2 includes professional services, finance and insurance, retail, administrative support and real estate/rental leasing. Phase 3 includes restaurants, food services and hotels. And Phase 4 includes arts, entertainment, recreation and education. Upon reopening, businesses must implement new safety precautions to help lower the risk of spreading the virus. Read all the requirements here.

 

 

School Closings

As you most likely have heard, Governor Cuomo has announced that all schools public and private must remain closed until the end of the school year.

 

 

Update on Wearing of Masks

We have received some inquires as to exactly what the requirements are in regards to wearing masks and face coverings in public. There is an executive order that requires all people in New York to wear masks or face coverings in public, including when taking public or private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. We asked for specific details as to this executive order and were given the following information.

Members of the public must wear a face covering when:

 

·     They are in a public place and unable to maintain (or are not maintaining) six feet of social distance.

·     They are a passenger in a public or private transportation carrier or other for-hire vehicle (for example, an Uber car).

·     Operators of public or private transportation must wear a face covering while there are any passengers in the vehicle.

·     Business employees must wear a face covering when they have in-person contact with customers or members of the public. An employer is responsible for providing face coverings to his/her employee.

 

New York City will be distributing free masks in selected locations. To find a location click here.

 

 

Plastic Bag Enforcement

Last year New York State passed a law banning single use plastic bags which went into effect this past March with enforcement to begin on May 15th. The state has now delayed enforcement until at least June 15th.

 

 

Health Insurance Enrollment

The special enrollment period for health insurance will remain open through June 15, 2020. New Yorkers without health insurance can apply for a plan through NY State of Health.

 

 

COVID-19 resources

My colleague, Ms. Chava Shulman Agudath Israel’s Director of Constituent Services has compiled a great resource of phone numbers and websites for COVID-19 assistance. They are listed below:

 

NYS Department of Health Coronavirus Hotline

888-364-3065

 

NYS COVID-19

Emotional Support Hotline

844-863-9314

 

Unemployment Benefits

Apply Online at www.labor.ny.gov

or call: 888-209-8124

 

NYS Family Leave

 

NYC Property Tax and Interest Deferral

 

Federal Disaster Loan Assistance:

Low interest loans to businesses of all sizes and private non profit organizations

 

NYC Small Business Relief

 

US Department of Labor COVID 19 issues facing employees and employers

 

For updated information on health and resources: